What happensPermalink
Israel begins to move north. They are attacked by, and defeat, the king of Arad, King Sihon of the Amorites, and King Og of Bashan. The people complain again, and God punishes them with poisonous snakes; Moses makes a bronze serpent that cures them.
Why it mattersPermalink
When Israel attacked after the spies returned, against God’s wishes, they were defeated. But when they defend themselves against these nations, God protects them and they win. Jesus compares His crucifixion that saves the world to Moses’s lifting up the bronze serpent to save Israel.
Key versePermalink
But the Lord said to Moses, “Do not fear him, for I have given him into your hand, and all his people, and his land. And you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.”